FRONT COVERBACK COVER
Commercial Fishing Fatality SummaryGulf of Mexico Region
Data KeyFatal Vessel Disaster
Fatal Fall Overboard
Onboard Fatality
Onshore Fatality
Diving Fatality
Gulf of MexicoFatal Fishing Events,
2010–2014
Recommendations
Commercial Fishing Safety Research and Design Program4230 University Drive, Suite 310
Anchorage, AK 99508P: 907-271-2382
[email protected]/niosh/topics/fishing
Twitter: @NIOSHFishing
Department of Health and Human ServicesCenters for Disease Control and PreventionNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number: 2017-174July 2017
Prepared by: Laura Syron, MPH; Samantha Case, MPH; Dimitreus Kloczko, BFA; Krystal Mason, ScM; Devin Lucas, PhD; Theodore Teske, MA.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Vessel Disasters
• Take a marine safety class at least every fiveyears. Safety training for fishermen is available,affordable, and saves lives. All fishermen shouldlearn and know how to use basic lifesavingequipment like immersion suits, life rafts,EPIRBs, and fire extinguishers to improvetheir chances of survival in an emergency.
• Conduct monthly drills for abandon ship,fire, and flooding. The practical knowledgelearned in safety training should be appliedeach month during drills, allowing fishermen toreinforce the skills needed in an emergency.
• Ensure watertight integrity of the vessel. Thehull and through-hull penetrations should beregularly inspected and maintained. Doorsand hatches should remain closed whileunderway, especially in rough seas. Maintainand test high water alarms before each trip.
• Perform maintenance activities to prevent firesand explosions. Regularly inspect electrical wiring, hoses, and fuel and oil lines for cracking and damage. Store combustible materials, such as thinners, solvents, and flammable liquids, in designated lockers or storerooms away from heat sources. Securely stow gas or hazardous materials cylinders on deck in an upright position. Fire extinguishers and fixed extinguishing systems should be checked monthly by an authorized person and replaced when needed.
Falls Overboard
• Wear a PFD on deck. Nationwide, none of thefishermen who died from falling overboard werewearing a PFD when they drowned. PFDs can keepfishermen afloat, giving the crew time for rescue.
• Use a man-overboard alarm system. Many fallsoverboard are not witnessed, delaying recoverytime and reducing chances of survival. A man-overboard system will alert the crew that a falloverboard occurred, and a device with GPScapabilities can signal the fisherman’s locationto assist in search and recovery efforts.
• Add effective recovery devices and re-boardingladders. A rescue sling or similar device ismore effective than a life ring for bringing acrewmember back on the vessel. If someonefishes alone, a plan should be in place for themto re-board their vessel unassisted after a fall.
• Conduct man-overboard drills monthly.Recovery procedures should be practicedregularly to ensure all crewmembers areprepared to respond to a fall overboard.
Onboard Fatalities
• Install safety devices on deck machinery.Emergency-stop buttons have been developedspecifically for deck machinery on fishing vesselsand can be adapted and retrofitted onto winches orother machinery. Stationary guarding and auxiliary-stops are also being tested. More information aboutengineering solutions for fishing vessels can befound at: cdc.gov/niosh/topics/fishing/engineering/
Diving Fatalities
• Dive with an experienced, alert tender. Be familiarwith vessel operations, safety equipment, andprocedures for both vessel and dive emergencies.Be alert and focused while the diver is in the water.
• Be prepared for a dive emergency. Beprepared to administer first aid, includingthe use of an oxygen delivery system.
• Maintain diving equipment. Ensure thatcompressors and other equipment used in divingoperations are in good working condition.
Comparing risk between fleetsCommercial fishing fleets have different numbers of vessels, fishermen, and season lengths. Because of these operating differences, we cannot simply use the number of fatalities in each fleet to compare their risk for fatalities. Instead, we calculate fatality rates to measure risk. Risk is the probability of a fatality occurring.
Figure 6
Fatality rates were calculated for fleets that experienced five or more fatalities during a 10-year period (2005–2014)and where workforce estimates were available (Figure 6). For the Gulf of Mexico, workforce estimates were only available to calculate a fatality rate for the shrimp fleet. During 2005–2014, the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet experienced the highest number of fatalities in the nation, with 48 crewmember deaths. However, due to the large size of the workforce, during this period the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet had the nation’s lowest fatality rate among fleets where fatality rates were calculated.
Why use a fatality rate?
To determine the risk of fatalities in different fleets, we need to consider the number of vessels in the fleet, number of fishermen, and the length of time that they spend working and exposed to potential hazards. By calculating rates, we can take into account the total number of hours worked in each fleet. The results of these rate calculations answer the question: “How many fatalities would have occurred in these fleets if they all had 10,000 fishermen working regular 40-hour weeks throughout the year?” Fleets with higher fatality rates are more dangerous than fleets with lower fatality rates.
How do we calculate a fatality rate?We know how many fatalities occurred in each fleet, based on our data collection from US Coast Guard investigation reports and documents from various agencies. For many of the fleets around the US, we also know how many vessels, crewmembers, and operating days are in the fleet each year. This information is used to estimate “full-time equivalent” fishermen (FTEs).
Here’s how we calculate FTEs:
# Vessels × # Crew per Vessel × # Operating Days × 24 Hours
2,000 Hours (standard 40-hour work week for the year) = # of FTEs
Here’s how we use FTEs to calculate a fatality rate:
# Fatalities
# of FTEs × 10,000 = # of Fatalities per 10,000 FTEs
Please Note: For this study, we’re using an updated method for calculating FTEs. This improved method matches what is used by other agencies and academic institutions, and allows the fatality rates to be compared to other occupations. As a result of the change in our calculation methods, the fishing fatality rates published in this report cannot be compared to rates published in previous NIOSH studies.
Flee
t
Northeast Multi-Species Groundfish Trawl
Atlantic Clam/Quahog Dredge
Atlantic Snapper/Grouper
West Coast Multi-Species Groundfish Trawl
Alaska Salmon Set Gillnet
West Coast Non-Tribal Dungeness Crab
Atlantic Squid
Atlantic Scallop
Alaska Bering Sea Crab
Alaska Halibut/Sablefish Longline
Alaska Salmon Tender
Alaska Salmon Drift Gillnet
Alaska Groundfish Freezer Trawl (A80)
Gulf of Mexico Shrimp
Atlantic Flounder/Scup/Black Sea Bass
302520151050
East Coast
Alaska
Gulf of Mexico
West Coast
Fatality Rate (per 10,000 FTEs)
US Fatality Rates by Fleet, 2005–2014
INSIDE OF FRONT COVER
During 2010–2014, 13 crewmembers died from drowning after falling overboard, contributing to 27% of fatalities in the region (Figure 5). None of the crewmembers were wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) when they drowned. Over half (54%) of the falls were not witnessed by other crewmembers, either because the fishermen were alone on the vessel (1) or alone on deck (6). Fatal falls overboard were most frequently caused by losing balance or by contact with gear, including being knocked over by or becoming entangled in gear.
Fatalities occurred in 10 fleets in the Gulf of Mexico, with six fleets experiencing two or more fatalities (Figure 3).The shrimp fleet had the highest number of fatalities in the Gulf of Mexico, with 25 deaths. These 25 deaths constituted half of all deaths in the region during 2010–2014. Among shrimp fishermen, the leading causes of death were vessel disasters, onboard injuries, and falls overboard. The snapper/grouper fishery experienced nine fatalities, resulting from two vessel disasters, three falls overboard, and an onboard injury. The oyster fishery experienced four fatalities, with two resulting from vessel disasters and two from falls overboard. In the menhaden fishery, a single vessel disaster resulted in three crewmember deaths.
In this region, preventing vessel disasters, falls overboard, and onboard injuries should be priorities. Vessel disasters contributed to half of all fatalities, with the most frequent causes including flooding, fires and explosions, and collisions/allisions. Performing preventive maintenance, attending safety training, and conducting monthly drills are recommended to prevent vessel disasters and to improve chances of survival if a disaster occurs.
To prevent drownings due to falls overboard, fishermen should wear PFDs while working on deck to stay afloat if a fall overboard occurs. Crewmembers should be trained in proper man-overboard recovery procedures. When fishermen choose to fish alone, they should ensure ways to re-board their vessels without assistance from other crewmembers, in case they fall in the water while working alone.
Onboard injury prevention should target winch entanglements, which contributed to nearly half of the onboard fatalities in the region. NIOSH is working on engineering solutions to address this issue by developing and testing winch guards and auxiliary-stop devices in the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet. More information about engineering solutions for fishing vessels can be found at: www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/fishing/engineering.html.
Conclusions
*Other fleets are those that experienced a single fatality during 2010–2014: crawfish, other shellfish, mullet, and other pelagic.
Commercial Fishing Fatalities by Year and Incident Type, Gulf of Mexico, 2000–2014 (164 Total)Figure 1
Num
ber o
f Fat
aliti
es
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
10
12
14
16
18
20
4
6
8
2
0
During the 15-year period 2000–2014, 164 commercial fishing deaths occurred in Gulf of Mexico fisheries, averaging almost 11 fatalities annually (Figure 1). During the first decade (2000–2009), 115 fatalities occurred, for an average of nearly 12 deaths per year. For the most recent five-year period (2010–2014), 49 fatalities were recorded, averaging 10 fatalities annually. During 2000–2009, the leading cause of fatalities in the region was falling overboard; however, during 2010–2014, the leading cause of fatalities was vessel disasters.
Vessel disasters accounted for half of all fatalities (25, 51%) in the Gulf of Mexico during 2010–2014 (Figure 2). Vessel disasters include sinkings, capsizings, fires, groundings, or other events that force crews to abandon ship. Drownings following falls overboard were the second leading cause of fatalities during this time period (13, 27%). Of the fatal onboard injuries (9, 18%), the majority involved contact with equipment: four deaths from being caught in winches, and two deaths from being struck by a hook and by a pulley. The remaining three onboard fatalities were due to a drug overdose and two instances of assault. Drownings during diving activities to clear gear and a propeller accounted for two deaths (4%).
Commercial Fishing Fatalities by IncidentType, Gulf of Mexico, 2010–2014 (49 Total)
Figure 2
13 (27%)
25 (51%)
9 (18%)
2 (4%)
Commercial Fishing Fatalities by Fleet, Gulf of Mexico, 2010–2014 (49 Total)Figure 3
Number of Fatalities
Shark
Crab
Menhaden
Oyster
Snapper/Grouper
Shrimp
Other*
0 5 10 2015 25
Causes of Vessel Disasters, Gulf of Mexico, 2010–2014 (71 Total)Figure 4
Num
ber o
f Dis
aste
rs
Nonfatal Vessel Disasters (55)
Fatal Vessel Disasters (16)
Flooding
Struck Rocks
Fire/Explosion
Struck by Large Wave
Struck by W
ind Gust
Instability
Engine Failure
Collision/Allisi
on
Steering Failure
Loss of E
lectric Power
Unknown Events
Photo Credit - Thinkstock®
Vessel disasters resulted in the most fatalities during 2010–2014. A total of 71 vessel disasters occurred in Gulf of Mexico waters during this time period (Figure 4), placing 189 crewmembers at risk of immersion and death. While 87% of crewmembers involved in vessel disasters survived, 16 disasters resulted in 25 fatalities. The leading causes of fatal vessel disasters were collisions and allisions, flooding, and instability. In comparison, the leading causes of nonfatal vessel disasters were fires and explosions, flooding, and collisions and allisions. Of the 16 vessel disasters initiated by flooding, the majority were caused by a breached hull.
Photo Credit - NIOSH®
Causes of Fatal Falls Overboard, Gulf of Mexico, 2010–2014 (13 Total)Figure 5
Num
ber o
f Fat
aliti
es
Witnessed (6)
Lost Balance Jumped UnknownKnocked byGear/Object
GearEntanglement
Not Witnessed (7)
1
2
3
4
5
6
0
Safety training for fishermen is available, affordable,
and saves lives
To help prevent vessel disasters, ensure watertight integrity of the vessel and perform maintenance to prevent fires and explosions
0
2
4
6
10
12
14
16
18
8
About this ReportThe National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal government agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness. In 2010, NIOSH published an in-depth study of commercial fishing fatalities due to traumatic injury that occurred in the United States during 2000–2009. NIOSH recently completed a five-year update (2010–2014) to the previous study in order to identify current hazards among fisheries in different regions of the country: Alaska, West Coast, East Coast, and the Gulf of Mexico. This document is one in a set of four reports summarizing the most recent fatality and vessel disaster data for US fishing regions.
Data KeyFatal Vessel Disaster
Fatal Fall Overboard
Onboard Fatality
Onshore Fatality
Diving Fatality
INSIDE OF FRONT COVER
During 2010–2014, 13 crewmembers died from drowning after falling overboard, contributing to 27% of fatalities in the region (Figure 5). None of the crewmembers were wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) when they drowned. Over half (54%) of the falls were not witnessed by other crewmembers, either because the fishermen were alone on the vessel (1) or alone on deck (6). Fatal falls overboard were most frequently caused by losing balance or by contact with gear, including being knocked over by or becoming entangled in gear.
Fatalities occurred in 10 fleets in the Gulf of Mexico, with six fleets experiencing two or more fatalities (Figure 3).The shrimp fleet had the highest number of fatalities in the Gulf of Mexico, with 25 deaths. These 25 deaths constituted half of all deaths in the region during 2010–2014. Among shrimp fishermen, the leading causes of death were vessel disasters, onboard injuries, and falls overboard. The snapper/grouper fishery experienced nine fatalities, resulting from two vessel disasters, three falls overboard, and an onboard injury. The oyster fishery experienced four fatalities, with two resulting from vessel disasters and two from falls overboard. In the menhaden fishery, a single vessel disaster resulted in three crewmember deaths.
In this region, preventing vessel disasters, falls overboard, and onboard injuries should be priorities. Vessel disasters contributed to half of all fatalities, with the most frequent causes including flooding, fires and explosions, and collisions/allisions. Performing preventive maintenance, attending safety training, and conducting monthly drills are recommended to prevent vessel disasters and to improve chances of survival if a disaster occurs.
To prevent drownings due to falls overboard, fishermen should wear PFDs while working on deck to stay afloat if a fall overboard occurs. Crewmembers should be trained in proper man-overboard recovery procedures. When fishermen choose to fish alone, they should ensure ways to re-board their vessels without assistance from other crewmembers, in case they fall in the water while working alone.
Onboard injury prevention should target winch entanglements, which contributed to nearly half of the onboard fatalities in the region. NIOSH is working on engineering solutions to address this issue by developing and testing winch guards and auxiliary-stop devices in the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet. More information about engineering solutions for fishing vessels can be found at: www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/fishing/engineering.html.
Conclusions
*Other fleets are those that experienced a single fatality during 2010–2014: crawfish, other shellfish, mullet, and other pelagic.
Commercial Fishing Fatalities by Year and Incident Type, Gulf of Mexico, 2000–2014 (164 Total)Figure 1
Num
ber o
f Fat
aliti
es
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
10
12
14
16
18
20
4
6
8
2
0
During the 15-year period 2000–2014, 164 commercial fishing deaths occurred in Gulf of Mexico fisheries, averaging almost 11 fatalities annually (Figure 1). During the first decade (2000–2009), 115 fatalities occurred, for an average of nearly 12 deaths per year. For the most recent five-year period (2010–2014), 49 fatalities were recorded, averaging 10 fatalities annually. During 2000–2009, the leading cause of fatalities in the region was falling overboard; however, during 2010–2014, the leading cause of fatalities was vessel disasters.
Vessel disasters accounted for half of all fatalities (25, 51%) in the Gulf of Mexico during 2010–2014 (Figure 2). Vessel disasters include sinkings, capsizings, fires, groundings, or other events that force crews to abandon ship. Drownings following falls overboard were the second leading cause of fatalities during this time period (13, 27%). Of the fatal onboard injuries (9, 18%), the majority involved contact with equipment: four deaths from being caught in winches, and two deaths from being struck by a hook and by a pulley. The remaining three onboard fatalities were due to a drug overdose and two instances of assault. Drownings during diving activities to clear gear and a propeller accounted for two deaths (4%).
Commercial Fishing Fatalities by IncidentType, Gulf of Mexico, 2010–2014 (49 Total)
Figure 2
13 (27%)
25 (51%)
9 (18%)
2 (4%)
Commercial Fishing Fatalities by Fleet, Gulf of Mexico, 2010–2014 (49 Total)Figure 3
Number of Fatalities
Shark
Crab
Menhaden
Oyster
Snapper/Grouper
Shrimp
Other*
0 5 10 2015 25
Causes of Vessel Disasters, Gulf of Mexico, 2010–2014 (71 Total)Figure 4
Num
ber o
f Dis
aste
rs
Nonfatal Vessel Disasters (55)
Fatal Vessel Disasters (16)
Flooding
Struck Rocks
Fire/Explosion
Struck by Large Wave
Struck by W
ind Gust
Instability
Engine Failure
Collision/Allisi
on
Steering Failure
Loss of E
lectric Power
Unknown Events
Photo Credit - Thinkstock®
Vessel disasters resulted in the most fatalities during 2010–2014. A total of 71 vessel disasters occurred in Gulf of Mexico waters during this time period (Figure 4), placing 189 crewmembers at risk of immersion and death. While 87% of crewmembers involved in vessel disasters survived, 16 disasters resulted in 25 fatalities. The leading causes of fatal vessel disasters were collisions and allisions, flooding, and instability. In comparison, the leading causes of nonfatal vessel disasters were fires and explosions, flooding, and collisions and allisions. Of the 16 vessel disasters initiated by flooding, the majority were caused by a breached hull.
Photo Credit - NIOSH®
Causes of Fatal Falls Overboard, Gulf of Mexico, 2010–2014 (13 Total)Figure 5
Num
ber o
f Fat
aliti
es
Witnessed (6)
Lost Balance Jumped UnknownKnocked byGear/Object
GearEntanglement
Not Witnessed (7)
1
2
3
4
5
6
0
Safety training for fishermen is available, affordable,
and saves lives
To help prevent vessel disasters, ensure watertight integrity of the vessel and perform maintenance to prevent fires and explosions
0
2
4
6
10
12
14
16
18
8
About this ReportThe National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal government agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness. In 2010, NIOSH published an in-depth study of commercial fishing fatalities due to traumatic injury that occurred in the United States during 2000–2009. NIOSH recently completed a five-year update (2010–2014) to the previous study in order to identify current hazards among fisheries in different regions of the country: Alaska, West Coast, East Coast, and the Gulf of Mexico. This document is one in a set of four reports summarizing the most recent fatality and vessel disaster data for US fishing regions.
Data KeyFatal Vessel Disaster
Fatal Fall Overboard
Onboard Fatality
Onshore Fatality
Diving Fatality
INSIDE OF FRONT COVER
During 2010–2014, 13 crewmembers died from drowning after falling overboard, contributing to 27% of fatalities in the region (Figure 5). None of the crewmembers were wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) when they drowned. Over half (54%) of the falls were not witnessed by other crewmembers, either because the fishermen were alone on the vessel (1) or alone on deck (6). Fatal falls overboard were most frequently caused by losing balance or by contact with gear, including being knocked over by or becoming entangled in gear.
Fatalities occurred in 10 fleets in the Gulf of Mexico, with six fleets experiencing two or more fatalities (Figure 3).The shrimp fleet had the highest number of fatalities in the Gulf of Mexico, with 25 deaths. These 25 deaths constituted half of all deaths in the region during 2010–2014. Among shrimp fishermen, the leading causes of death were vessel disasters, onboard injuries, and falls overboard. The snapper/grouper fishery experienced nine fatalities, resulting from two vessel disasters, three falls overboard, and an onboard injury. The oyster fishery experienced four fatalities, with two resulting from vessel disasters and two from falls overboard. In the menhaden fishery, a single vessel disaster resulted in three crewmember deaths.
In this region, preventing vessel disasters, falls overboard, and onboard injuries should be priorities. Vessel disasters contributed to half of all fatalities, with the most frequent causes including flooding, fires and explosions, and collisions/allisions. Performing preventive maintenance, attending safety training, and conducting monthly drills are recommended to prevent vessel disasters and to improve chances of survival if a disaster occurs.
To prevent drownings due to falls overboard, fishermen should wear PFDs while working on deck to stay afloat if a fall overboard occurs. Crewmembers should be trained in proper man-overboard recovery procedures. When fishermen choose to fish alone, they should ensure ways to re-board their vessels without assistance from other crewmembers, in case they fall in the water while working alone.
Onboard injury prevention should target winch entanglements, which contributed to nearly half of the onboard fatalities in the region. NIOSH is working on engineering solutions to address this issue by developing and testing winch guards and auxiliary-stop devices in the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet. More information about engineering solutions for fishing vessels can be found at: www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/fishing/engineering.html.
Conclusions
*Other fleets are those that experienced a single fatality during 2010–2014: crawfish, other shellfish, mullet, and other pelagic.
Commercial Fishing Fatalities by Year and Incident Type, Gulf of Mexico, 2000–2014 (164 Total)Figure 1
Num
ber o
f Fat
aliti
es
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
10
12
14
16
18
20
4
6
8
2
0
During the 15-year period 2000–2014, 164 commercial fishing deaths occurred in Gulf of Mexico fisheries, averaging almost 11 fatalities annually (Figure 1). During the first decade (2000–2009), 115 fatalities occurred, for an average of nearly 12 deaths per year. For the most recent five-year period (2010–2014), 49 fatalities were recorded, averaging 10 fatalities annually. During 2000–2009, the leading cause of fatalities in the region was falling overboard; however, during 2010–2014, the leading cause of fatalities was vessel disasters.
Vessel disasters accounted for half of all fatalities (25, 51%) in the Gulf of Mexico during 2010–2014 (Figure 2). Vessel disasters include sinkings, capsizings, fires, groundings, or other events that force crews to abandon ship. Drownings following falls overboard were the second leading cause of fatalities during this time period (13, 27%). Of the fatal onboard injuries (9, 18%), the majority involved contact with equipment: four deaths from being caught in winches, and two deaths from being struck by a hook and by a pulley. The remaining three onboard fatalities were due to a drug overdose and two instances of assault. Drownings during diving activities to clear gear and a propeller accounted for two deaths (4%).
Commercial Fishing Fatalities by IncidentType, Gulf of Mexico, 2010–2014 (49 Total)
Figure 2
13 (27%)
25 (51%)
9 (18%)
2 (4%)
Commercial Fishing Fatalities by Fleet, Gulf of Mexico, 2010–2014 (49 Total)Figure 3
Number of Fatalities
Shark
Crab
Menhaden
Oyster
Snapper/Grouper
Shrimp
Other*
0 5 10 2015 25
Causes of Vessel Disasters, Gulf of Mexico, 2010–2014 (71 Total)Figure 4
Num
ber o
f Dis
aste
rs
Nonfatal Vessel Disasters (55)
Fatal Vessel Disasters (16)
Flooding
Struck Rocks
Fire/Explosion
Struck by Large Wave
Struck by W
ind Gust
Instability
Engine Failure
Collision/Allisi
on
Steering Failure
Loss of E
lectric Power
Unknown Events
Photo Credit - Thinkstock®
Vessel disasters resulted in the most fatalities during 2010–2014. A total of 71 vessel disasters occurred in Gulf of Mexico waters during this time period (Figure 4), placing 189 crewmembers at risk of immersion and death. While 87% of crewmembers involved in vessel disasters survived, 16 disasters resulted in 25 fatalities. The leading causes of fatal vessel disasters were collisions and allisions, flooding, and instability. In comparison, the leading causes of nonfatal vessel disasters were fires and explosions, flooding, and collisions and allisions. Of the 16 vessel disasters initiated by flooding, the majority were caused by a breached hull.
Photo Credit - NIOSH®
Causes of Fatal Falls Overboard, Gulf of Mexico, 2010–2014 (13 Total)Figure 5
Num
ber o
f Fat
aliti
esWitnessed (6)
Lost Balance Jumped UnknownKnocked byGear/Object
GearEntanglement
Not Witnessed (7)
1
2
3
4
5
6
0
Safety training for fishermen is available, affordable,
and saves lives
To help prevent vessel disasters, ensure watertight integrity of the vessel and perform maintenance to prevent fires and explosions
0
2
4
6
10
12
14
16
18
8
About this ReportThe National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal government agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness. In 2010, NIOSH published an in-depth study of commercial fishing fatalities due to traumatic injury that occurred in the United States during 2000–2009. NIOSH recently completed a five-year update (2010–2014) to the previous study in order to identify current hazards among fisheries in different regions of the country: Alaska, West Coast, East Coast, and the Gulf of Mexico. This document is one in a set of four reports summarizing the most recent fatality and vessel disaster data for US fishing regions.
Data KeyFatal Vessel Disaster
Fatal Fall Overboard
Onboard Fatality
Onshore Fatality
Diving Fatality
FRONT COVERBACK COVER
Commercial Fishing Fatality SummaryGulf of Mexico Region
Data KeyFatal Vessel Disaster
Fatal Fall Overboard
Onboard Fatality
Onshore Fatality
Diving Fatality
Gulf of MexicoFatal Fishing Events,
2010–2014
Recommendations
Commercial Fishing Safety Research and Design Program4230 University Drive, Suite 310
Anchorage, AK 99508P: 907-271-2382
[email protected]/niosh/topics/fishing
Twitter: @NIOSHFishing
Department of Health and Human ServicesCenters for Disease Control and PreventionNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number: 2017-174July 2017
Prepared by: Laura Syron, MPH; Samantha Case, MPH; Dimitreus Kloczko, BFA; Krystal Mason, ScM; Devin Lucas, PhD; Theodore Teske, MA.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Vessel Disasters
• Take a marine safety class at least every fiveyears. Safety training for fishermen is available,affordable, and saves lives. All fishermen shouldlearn and know how to use basic lifesavingequipment like immersion suits, life rafts,EPIRBs, and fire extinguishers to improvetheir chances of survival in an emergency.
• Conduct monthly drills for abandon ship,fire, and flooding. The practical knowledgelearned in safety training should be appliedeach month during drills, allowing fishermen toreinforce the skills needed in an emergency.
• Ensure watertight integrity of the vessel. Thehull and through-hull penetrations should beregularly inspected and maintained. Doorsand hatches should remain closed whileunderway, especially in rough seas. Maintainand test high water alarms before each trip.
• Perform maintenance activities to prevent firesand explosions. Regularly inspect electrical wiring, hoses, and fuel and oil lines for cracking and damage. Store combustible materials, such as thinners, solvents, and flammable liquids, in designated lockers or storerooms away from heat sources. Securely stow gas or hazardous materials cylinders on deck in an upright position. Fire extinguishers and fixed extinguishing systems should be checked monthly by an authorized person and replaced when needed.
Falls Overboard
• Wear a PFD on deck. Nationwide, none of thefishermen who died from falling overboard werewearing a PFD when they drowned. PFDs can keepfishermen afloat, giving the crew time for rescue.
• Use a man-overboard alarm system. Many fallsoverboard are not witnessed, delaying recoverytime and reducing chances of survival. A man-overboard system will alert the crew that a falloverboard occurred, and a device with GPScapabilities can signal the fisherman’s locationto assist in search and recovery efforts.
• Add effective recovery devices and re-boardingladders. A rescue sling or similar device ismore effective than a life ring for bringing acrewmember back on the vessel. If someonefishes alone, a plan should be in place for themto re-board their vessel unassisted after a fall.
• Conduct man-overboard drills monthly.Recovery procedures should be practicedregularly to ensure all crewmembers areprepared to respond to a fall overboard.
Onboard Fatalities
• Install safety devices on deck machinery.Emergency-stop buttons have been developedspecifically for deck machinery on fishing vesselsand can be adapted and retrofitted onto winches orother machinery. Stationary guarding and auxiliary-stops are also being tested. More information aboutengineering solutions for fishing vessels can befound at: cdc.gov/niosh/topics/fishing/engineering/
Diving Fatalities
• Dive with an experienced, alert tender. Be familiarwith vessel operations, safety equipment, andprocedures for both vessel and dive emergencies.Be alert and focused while the diver is in the water.
• Be prepared for a dive emergency. Beprepared to administer first aid, includingthe use of an oxygen delivery system.
• Maintain diving equipment. Ensure thatcompressors and other equipment used in divingoperations are in good working condition.
Comparing risk between fleetsCommercial fishing fleets have different numbers of vessels, fishermen, and season lengths. Because of these operating differences, we cannot simply use the number of fatalities in each fleet to compare their risk for fatalities. Instead, we calculate fatality rates to measure risk. Risk is the probability of a fatality occurring.
Figure 6
Fatality rates were calculated for fleets that experienced five or more fatalities during a 10-year period (2005–2014)and where workforce estimates were available (Figure 6). For the Gulf of Mexico, workforce estimates were only available to calculate a fatality rate for the shrimp fleet. During 2005–2014, the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet experienced the highest number of fatalities in the nation, with 48 crewmember deaths. However, due to the large size of the workforce, during this period the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet had the nation’s lowest fatality rate among fleets where fatality rates were calculated.
Why use a fatality rate?
To determine the risk of fatalities in different fleets, we need to consider the number of vessels in the fleet, number of fishermen, and the length of time that they spend working and exposed to potential hazards. By calculating rates, we can take into account the total number of hours worked in each fleet. The results of these rate calculations answer the question: “How many fatalities would have occurred in these fleets if they all had 10,000 fishermen working regular 40-hour weeks throughout the year?” Fleets with higher fatality rates are more dangerous than fleets with lower fatality rates.
How do we calculate a fatality rate?We know how many fatalities occurred in each fleet, based on our data collection from US Coast Guard investigation reports and documents from various agencies. For many of the fleets around the US, we also know how many vessels, crewmembers, and operating days are in the fleet each year. This information is used to estimate “full-time equivalent” fishermen (FTEs).
Here’s how we calculate FTEs:
# Vessels × # Crew per Vessel × # Operating Days × 24 Hours
2,000 Hours (standard 40-hour work week for the year) = # of FTEs
Here’s how we use FTEs to calculate a fatality rate:
# Fatalities
# of FTEs × 10,000 = # of Fatalities per 10,000 FTEs
Please Note: For this study, we’re using an updated method for calculating FTEs. This improved method matches what is used by other agencies and academic institutions, and allows the fatality rates to be compared to other occupations. As a result of the change in our calculation methods, the fishing fatality rates published in this report cannot be compared to rates published in previous NIOSH studies.
Flee
t
Northeast Multi-Species Groundfish Trawl
Atlantic Clam/Quahog Dredge
Atlantic Snapper/Grouper
West Coast Multi-Species Groundfish Trawl
Alaska Salmon Set Gillnet
West Coast Non-Tribal Dungeness Crab
Atlantic Squid
Atlantic Scallop
Alaska Bering Sea Crab
Alaska Halibut/Sablefish Longline
Alaska Salmon Tender
Alaska Salmon Drift Gillnet
Alaska Groundfish Freezer Trawl (A80)
Gulf of Mexico Shrimp
Atlantic Flounder/Scup/Black Sea Bass
302520151050
East Coast
Alaska
Gulf of Mexico
West Coast
Fatality Rate (per 10,000 FTEs)
US Fatality Rates by Fleet, 2005–2014
FRONT COVERBACK COVER
Commercial Fishing Fatality SummaryGulf of Mexico Region
Data KeyFatal Vessel Disaster
Fatal Fall Overboard
Onboard Fatality
Onshore Fatality
Diving Fatality
Gulf of MexicoFatal Fishing Events,
2010–2014
Recommendations
Commercial Fishing Safety Research and Design Program4230 University Drive, Suite 310
Anchorage, AK 99508P: 907-271-2382
[email protected]/niosh/topics/fishing
Twitter: @NIOSHFishing
Department of Health and Human ServicesCenters for Disease Control and PreventionNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number: 2017-174July 2017
Prepared by: Laura Syron, MPH; Samantha Case, MPH; Dimitreus Kloczko, BFA; Krystal Mason, ScM; Devin Lucas, PhD; Theodore Teske, MA.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Vessel Disasters
• Take a marine safety class at least every fiveyears. Safety training for fishermen is available,affordable, and saves lives. All fishermen shouldlearn and know how to use basic lifesavingequipment like immersion suits, life rafts,EPIRBs, and fire extinguishers to improvetheir chances of survival in an emergency.
• Conduct monthly drills for abandon ship,fire, and flooding. The practical knowledgelearned in safety training should be appliedeach month during drills, allowing fishermen toreinforce the skills needed in an emergency.
• Ensure watertight integrity of the vessel. Thehull and through-hull penetrations should beregularly inspected and maintained. Doorsand hatches should remain closed whileunderway, especially in rough seas. Maintainand test high water alarms before each trip.
• Perform maintenance activities to prevent firesand explosions. Regularly inspect electrical wiring, hoses, and fuel and oil lines for cracking and damage. Store combustible materials, such as thinners, solvents, and flammable liquids, in designated lockers or storerooms away from heat sources. Securely stow gas or hazardous materials cylinders on deck in an upright position. Fire extinguishers and fixed extinguishing systems should be checked monthly by an authorized person and replaced when needed.
Falls Overboard
• Wear a PFD on deck. Nationwide, none of thefishermen who died from falling overboard werewearing a PFD when they drowned. PFDs can keepfishermen afloat, giving the crew time for rescue.
• Use a man-overboard alarm system. Many fallsoverboard are not witnessed, delaying recoverytime and reducing chances of survival. A man-overboard system will alert the crew that a falloverboard occurred, and a device with GPScapabilities can signal the fisherman’s locationto assist in search and recovery efforts.
• Add effective recovery devices and re-boardingladders. A rescue sling or similar device ismore effective than a life ring for bringing acrewmember back on the vessel. If someonefishes alone, a plan should be in place for themto re-board their vessel unassisted after a fall.
• Conduct man-overboard drills monthly.Recovery procedures should be practicedregularly to ensure all crewmembers areprepared to respond to a fall overboard.
Onboard Fatalities
• Install safety devices on deck machinery.Emergency-stop buttons have been developedspecifically for deck machinery on fishing vesselsand can be adapted and retrofitted onto winches orother machinery. Stationary guarding and auxiliary-stops are also being tested. More information aboutengineering solutions for fishing vessels can befound at: cdc.gov/niosh/topics/fishing/engineering/
Diving Fatalities
• Dive with an experienced, alert tender. Be familiarwith vessel operations, safety equipment, andprocedures for both vessel and dive emergencies.Be alert and focused while the diver is in the water.
• Be prepared for a dive emergency. Beprepared to administer first aid, includingthe use of an oxygen delivery system.
• Maintain diving equipment. Ensure thatcompressors and other equipment used in divingoperations are in good working condition.
Comparing risk between fleetsCommercial fishing fleets have different numbers of vessels, fishermen, and season lengths. Because of these operating differences, we cannot simply use the number of fatalities in each fleet to compare their risk for fatalities. Instead, we calculate fatality rates to measure risk. Risk is the probability of a fatality occurring.
Figure 6
Fatality rates were calculated for fleets that experienced five or more fatalities during a 10-year period (2005–2014)and where workforce estimates were available (Figure 6). For the Gulf of Mexico, workforce estimates were only available to calculate a fatality rate for the shrimp fleet. During 2005–2014, the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet experienced the highest number of fatalities in the nation, with 48 crewmember deaths. However, due to the large size of the workforce, during this period the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet had the nation’s lowest fatality rate among fleets where fatality rates were calculated.
Why use a fatality rate?
To determine the risk of fatalities in different fleets, we need to consider the number of vessels in the fleet, number of fishermen, and the length of time that they spend working and exposed to potential hazards. By calculating rates, we can take into account the total number of hours worked in each fleet. The results of these rate calculations answer the question: “How many fatalities would have occurred in these fleets if they all had 10,000 fishermen working regular 40-hour weeks throughout the year?” Fleets with higher fatality rates are more dangerous than fleets with lower fatality rates.
How do we calculate a fatality rate?We know how many fatalities occurred in each fleet, based on our data collection from US Coast Guard investigation reports and documents from various agencies. For many of the fleets around the US, we also know how many vessels, crewmembers, and operating days are in the fleet each year. This information is used to estimate “full-time equivalent” fishermen (FTEs).
Here’s how we calculate FTEs:
# Vessels × # Crew per Vessel × # Operating Days × 24 Hours
2,000 Hours (standard 40-hour work week for the year) = # of FTEs
Here’s how we use FTEs to calculate a fatality rate:
# Fatalities
# of FTEs × 10,000 = # of Fatalities per 10,000 FTEs
Please Note: For this study, we’re using an updated method for calculating FTEs. This improved method matches what is used by other agencies and academic institutions, and allows the fatality rates to be compared to other occupations. As a result of the change in our calculation methods, the fishing fatality rates published in this report cannot be compared to rates published in previous NIOSH studies.
Flee
t
Northeast Multi-Species Groundfish Trawl
Atlantic Clam/Quahog Dredge
Atlantic Snapper/Grouper
West Coast Multi-Species Groundfish Trawl
Alaska Salmon Set Gillnet
West Coast Non-Tribal Dungeness Crab
Atlantic Squid
Atlantic Scallop
Alaska Bering Sea Crab
Alaska Halibut/Sablefish Longline
Alaska Salmon Tender
Alaska Salmon Drift Gillnet
Alaska Groundfish Freezer Trawl (A80)
Gulf of Mexico Shrimp
Atlantic Flounder/Scup/Black Sea Bass
302520151050
East Coast
Alaska
Gulf of Mexico
West Coast
Fatality Rate (per 10,000 FTEs)
US Fatality Rates by Fleet, 2005–2014
